Yale Professor Jason Stanley Leaves U.S. Amid Trump Administration’s Funding Cuts

NEW HAVEN, Conn. — Yale University philosophy professor Jason Stanley is leaving his post at the institution and relocating to Canada, primarily due to funding cuts implemented by the Trump administration that he believes threaten academic freedom. Stanley, an expert in fascism, announced his decision on April 1, 2025, and will take a position at the University of Toronto.

Stanley, who has been a faculty member at Yale since 2013, expressed deep concerns that the administration’s cuts to university funding are an excuse to dismantle democratic structures. He cited the recent reaction of Columbia University, which altered its student protest guidelines to regain $400 million in federal research funding stripped away by the Trump administration, as a critical trigger for his departure.

In an interview with NPR’s A Martínez, Stanley asserted, “The administration is using Jewish people as an excuse to take down democracy,” referencing how targeted funding cuts are framed under the false pretense of protecting students from antisemitism. He emphasized that this approach is likely to stoke more widespread anti-Jewish sentiment.

As part of his transition, Stanley will take his spouse and children with him to Canada, where he aims to foster a more supportive academic environment amid increasing authoritarianism in the U.S. He explained, “I have Black Jewish children and the attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion are attacks on Black people.”

Stanley, author of several books on fascism, including *Erasing History: How Fascists Rewrite the Past to Control the Future*, described his departure as a necessary measure for the safety of his family in light of rising political tensions. He remarked, “Personally, I’m not going to risk my kid’s safety for a political point.”

The Trump administration is currently reviewing approximately $9 billion in funding for major universities, including Harvard, which has been cited for inadequately protecting students from antisemitism. In this context, Stanley called for a more significant stand from academic institutions against funding cuts, stating that a robust defense of democratic institutions is essential.

“You need a very loud defense of democratic institutions. If universities think they can work behind the scenes and make friends, they’re simply confused about the nature of the conflict,” he said, emphasizing the urgency of mobilizing collective action from universities nationally.

Stanley’s move is part of a growing trend among academics feeling compelled to leave the U.S. due to political conditions. He expressed gratitude for his new position, which includes a role focused on collaborating with fellow scholars from nations experiencing democratic backsliding.

Amid escalating attacks on campuses regarding critical race theory and diversity initiatives, Stanley warned that the stakes are much larger than academic funding—they reflect a broader threat to democratic values. He observed, “It’s not just that you forget them; it’s that you change the narrative,” reflecting fears about the potential for historical revisionism in educational frameworks.

Faced with the challenges of raising a family in an increasingly hostile political climate, Stanley hopes to use his expertise to advocate for democracy more effectively in Canada. As he embarks on this new chapter, he remains focused on his commitment to educating and defending democratic ideals.